Lois Melbourne

CHIEF STORY OFFICER

Lois Melbourne

We’re trained that bios should be written in the third person. This space had one of those for a while. I decided if you’re here to learn about me, why should I give you a disembodied rendering of some basic facts about me.

I’m an author. I struggled with my identity title for a while after selling our software company. I’d spent nineteen years as CEO and entrepreneur. I’m loving this new life wave.

I’ve spent time with students, teachers and after school programs, encouraging new ways to open the mystery of career paths and the world of work through my nonprofit, My Future Story. I published two books for elementary aged kids about exploring careers. It’s rewarding to see kids with “STEM Club Goes Exploring” and “Kids Go To Work Day”.

When I finished my first novel, “Moral Code”, I could look people in the eye and introduce myself as an author. “Moral Code” was conceived from discussions with Ross, my husband. He started with something like “wouldn’t it be cool to write a book about creating an ethical AI and all the good it could do to change the world?”

Lois and Ross Melbourne
Ross and me.

As often happens when Ross and I get excited about something, big things develop. Things like a global software company, a really cool son, our dream house. You get the picture. We collaborate a lot.

We both agreed the most ethical thing anyone or anything could do, would be to protect kids from abuse. So, the technology visionary and the storyteller created “Moral Code” containing the artificial intelligence I wish the world had right now.

These days my curiosity has turned to jewelry. I host the What A Gem podcast, and I designed and launched Clasps, an iPhone app for cataloging a jewelry collection and the stories behind each piece.

Lois reading on the sofa with her dog
Writing time, with company.

No bio is complete without the pets. Molly loves to greet people and then is ready to be off on her own adventures. She likes her routine sprinkled with a bit of randomness. JP is a dog of the people and lives in the moment, EVERY moment. Many household decisions are made considering how they will impact the dogs.

“Choices create your possibilities.”
– LOIS MELBOURNE

Quick facts about me

World travelerInternational travel is one of my great joys.
OptimistI look for the possibilities first.
Formula One fanRace weekends are a big deal at our house.
Pro-immigrationI value what immigrants bring to our communities.
Election poll workerI work the polls on election days.
Writes with a viewGive me a window over a desk any day.
Breast cancer survivorAnd grateful every day.

Interviews & media

PODCAST

Conversations with Women in STEM

Ordinarily Extraordinary · Episode 95

Lois shares her career journey and how she navigated the technology space as a young, female CEO a couple decades ago.

GUEST ARTICLE

Ethics, Equity, and Women in STEM

Book Club Babble

On the importance of ethics, equity and diversity in STEM, and why women are well-positioned to challenge the industry’s systems.